New Changes to AML/CTF – Information for our clients

30 June 2026 | Written by Caitlin Bowman | Firm news

Commencing 1 July 2026, reforms to Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing (AML/CTF) laws will apply to certain legal services in Australia.

Why have these changes been introduced and who do they affect?

These reforms have been introduced on a national level to reduce the risk of financial crime and will now impose obligations on certain professions including lawyers, accountants and real estate agents.

Any law firm providing a service that is classed as a ‘designated service’ by the regulations will be required to complete a Client Due Diligence check prior to providing that service to a client.

What does this mean for you as a client?

Our obligations to complete Customer Due Diligence checks mean that we are required to ensure the way we collect and verify your information complies with the new rules. For clients of THL, this may mean that we ask you to complete the following before commencing work:

Provide documents and complete forms to verify your identity;
Provide information regarding the purpose of your engagement with us;
Complete further checks or provide additional information where requested.

How we will collect information

Our firm will be using EasyAML to conduct identity verification. This platform is purpose built to assist businesses required to meet AML/CTF obligations.

If you are required to complete these checks, our team will be in contact and provide guidance and assistance. Any information you provide will be handled securely in accordance with our policies and relevant privacy laws.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

I have worked with Turnbull Hill Lawyers before – why do I need to provide information now?

The new reporting obligations apply to all clients, including existing clients.
While we may already have information on file, we are unable to continue to provide a designated service without conducting customer due diligence and other compliance checks.

What if I run a business through a company or a trust?

We will request additional information from you to confirm ownership, control and governance of the entity.
This information may include identifying and verifying relevant entity details, directors, shareholders, trustees, beneficiaries, beneficial owners, controlling persons, appointors, partners and authorised representatives.

Do I need to provide information before work begins?

Yes, we are required to undertake customer due diligence and other compliance checks before we provide or continue to provide any designated service.
We are prohibited from commencing work until all required AML/CTF checks have been completed.

Do I need to provide information about the source of funds and source of wealth?

For some matters, we may be required by the AML/CTF laws to ask you to provide information about where funds are coming from and/or the source of wealth.
Information we request may include bank statements, loan approvals, sale contracts, settlement statements, inheritance documents, trust distribution statements, dividend statements, tax returns, financial statements, gift letters or other evidence we consider reasonably necessary.

Will this process cause delays to my matter?

We have worked to integrate AML/CTF procedures into our systems early to reduce delays. However, it is possible that there may still be delays, particularly in instances where there are complex structures or multiple sources of funds or wealth.
You can assist in minimising delays by providing requested information as soon as possible.
Where information or documents are delayed, incomplete, or require further review, this may affect the timing of your matter. We will let you know as early as possible if any additional AML/CTF steps are required.

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